ABU DHABI // They came from around the emirate – the 40,000 Muslims who gathered for Eid Al Fitr prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque early on Wednesday – and some from beyond.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, along with other sheikhs and ministers, offered prayers and visited the tomb of the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed.
They were joined by the 40,000 worshippers – and countless more across the country and the Muslim world – who defied early morning heat and humidity to mark the end of Ramadan with prayer.
Other notables to offer prayers included Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
A sermon was delivered by Dr Mohammed Al Kaabi, chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, who said this holiday promoted love and peace.
“Our Eid is one of peace entrenched with the values of civilised human coexistence and harmony,” Dr Al Kaabi said.
“Allah has called for all Muslims to adhere to those values and spread them in all nations and communities.”
Sheikh Mohammed later met well-wishers at Mushrif Palace. He also spoke to with King Hamad of Bahrain, King Abdullah II of Jordan, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah of Kuwait, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani of Qatar, and president Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt, among others.
Unlike years past, thousands of worshippers were denied entry to the Grand Mosque because mobile phones were not allowed.
Those who drove were able to return to their cars to leave their phones, but others were left to pray on the streets and parks surrounding the mosque.
Yousuf Suleiman, a Nigerian who visited the mosque for the first time, was among those who prayed outside.
“I have never seen such a huge gathering of people performing prayers in unison,” Mr Suleiman said.
“I’ve heard about the beauty of this Grand Mosque and today I have seen it. Truly, it’s the most amazing place.
“I didn’t know that I had to get here so early for security reasons. In the meantime, prayers started so I prayed outside. Only later did I get in.”
The devout started arriving at the mosque about 4am, with Eid prayers at 6.15am.
At 5.30am, all roads leading to the mosque were gridlocked and Abu Dhabi Police were stationed all around the mosque.
“I queued to enter but couldn’t make it because I had my phone,” said Abdul Mateen, a Bangladeshi from Mussaffah. “There was nowhere I could leave it.”
It would have been easier had authorities warned that phones were not allowed, Mr Mateen said.
After prayers, the festive mood was evident all around the mosque as people greeted each other, and children in colourful dress were photographed by their parents.
Many travelled from Dubai, including Palestinian Mohammed Isa, 17.
“I started at 3.30am to catch prayers and I got here at 5am and prayed peacefully,” he said.
“Offering prayers at Zayed Mosque always feels wonderful – that’s why I spent so much time driving here.
“I was stuck in traffic but I got in soon enough.”
A man who has lived in Al Ain for eight years made the drive to Abu Dhabi for Eid prayers at the Grand Mosque.
“I regret not coming here before. This is a wonderful place,” said Abdul Razzaque, who is from Indonesia.
“I appreciate the security arrangement in and around the mosque, and people must know the timings.
“But if they waited until the last minute then, of course, they would be late getting into the mosque because of the security. Obviously, though, it’s for our own safety.”
Mr Razzaque left Al Ain at 3.30am to arrive on time.
To ensure the safety of worshippers, several checkpoints and metal detectors were erected that everyone had to pass through.
Jameel, a Syrian, said he was pleased to come to the mosque to pray.
“I love the beauty of this mosque, so most of time I pray here for Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha,” Jameel said.
This year, tea stalls, water and meal packets were distributed after prayers.
anwar@thenational.ae